The Cosmopolitan Is Rocking

We have reported extensively about the changes happening at the Cosmopolitan over the past couple of years. It’s been impressive to watch the casino evolve without changing too much. The independently owned and operated Vegas Strip property opened as a cooler than cool casino-resort but didn’t make a profit.

The previous owners sold the Cosmopolitan at a major loss. The new owners, Blackstone, have done a really good job of keeping the edge but broadened the appeal of the property. Since Bill McBeath took over as CEO the Cosmopolitan the casino floor has added a sports book, high limits slot room, Starbucks, and more. Restaurant options have changed, bars and the high limits table room have been upgraded, and there are now penthouses at the Cosmopolitan.

The Cosmopolitan is privately owned and doesn’t report quarterly earnings. However, these changes appear to have turned finances around. According to the Las Vegas Sun, the Cosmopolitan expects 2017 to be 200%(!) better than 2016. The newspaper also confirmed that Blackstone will eventually sell the Cosmopolitan.

Self-Parking Fees At Wynn Set To Begin August 7th

Here is what the new parking fee structure will be at Wynn and Encore.

More Information About The Changes At The Cromwell

eatwell – The 24-hour a day food counter is now open. They offer a wide variety of food including salads, sandwiches, pizza, and Starbucks coffee. The property needed a place to get a quick bite.

Sports Book – The new sports book will open by September 1. There will be seats for approximately 50 people. The modest space will have a sweet 32-foot-long by 9-foot-tall LED video wall.

High Limit Slots – Since the sports book will take over the old area, they’ve moved these games to The Abbey near Bound. If you don’t remember this space it was a private gaming area.

Interlude – They are adding a stage for live entertainment. There will also be a television screen system around the perimeter of the bar. The bar itself will be open and have seats on both sides. There will now be two sides to the bar. Video poker machines will be included in the new bartop.

Gaming Tables Near Drai’s – A Caesars representative didn’t confirm the rumor about a party pit. Expect to hear about this soon.

The changes at The Cromwell all make sense cosmetically and aesthetically for the property. It will be nice not to have to walk next door to the Flamingo food court for a late night snack if you’re staying at the hotel. This is a major complaint I’ve heard and experienced personally.

I’m looking forward to more seats to play video poker at Interlude. The existing bar is often busy at night with people drinking and not gambling. GASP! The extra space should provide a better experience for the gamblers. This bar has a pretty good beer selection hidden in the refrigerators if you ask nicely.

Large Sports Bar Coming To Monte Carlo/Park MGM

Eater Vegas is reporting that MGM Resorts International has filed paperwork to build a 12,000 square foot sports bar. They compare the space to Double Barrel Roadhouse on the Vegas Strip end of the casino which occupies similar square footage.

A location hasn’t been announced and there aren’t any other details about the sports bar. I reached out to MGM Resorts International for comment if this bar will include sports betting windows. They didn’t have any information yet as plans for the bar are still developing.

The article also mentions that MGM Resorts International has filed paperwork for two other small bars.

Coming Soon: Anchorman Slot Machine

I have no details on when this will be in casinos but I know plenty of people that love Anchorman.

Quick Hits:

There was a lot of news in Las Vegas over the past week. Check them out as you seem fit.

Changing of the guard at SLS Las Vegas. There’s nothing to see here. Leadership usually leaves when a failing business is sold. Read more here.

The “State Of Emergency” for marijuana may be over. I know nothing about the subject. Don’t @ me, bro. Read more here.

Ping Pang Pong at the Gold Coast has doubled down (in size) and reopened with lots of time to spare for my December crew. Read more here.

Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor confirmed the venue for their fight on August 29. As expected the fight will take place at T-Mobile Arena. Tickets and viewing party information still aren’t available. Read more here if you don’t use an ad blocker.

Palace Station Courtyard hotel is gone. Vital Vegas has some sweet pics and talks about OJ Simpson because he loves football.

Trump Hotels had another security breach. They must have a competition with the Hard Rock to see who has worse security. Watch and read more here.

The Oakland Raiders are now worth $2.1 billion. They can thank Nevada for the gift of a football stadium in Las Vegas. Read more here.

Samba Brazilian Steakhouse at The Mirage will close August 31. You can find a Brazilian Steakhouse on the Vegas Strip at the Miracle Mile Shops inside Planet Hollywood. Read more here.

A few hours after I filed this article last week there was a pipe issue at Planet Hollywood. Thankfully I missed this. My Starbucks was closed. GASP! Read more here.

Las Vegas might be getting a USL (minor league) soccer team. Vegasprosoccer.com has more information than you could think to ask for.

Nerd Alert: The annual Star Trek convention returns to the Rio from August 2 – 6. You can find more information here or here.

Are Hotel Safes Really Safe?

I don’t use hotel safes so I’m not educated on this subject. This week I learned that every hotel safe has an emergency password in case anyone forgets the password. Potentially, everyone that works in a hotel may have this information and have access to the safe.

It makes sense that there would be a way to get goods out of a safe if someone forgets the password. I’ve just never thought about it so I’m passing this article in case this is something that might concern you. The Daily Mail has video and more information.

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Marc

Marc grew up on the mean streets of the South Bronx. He's the rare combination of Yankees and Jets fan which explains his often contrarian point of view. He learned about gambling at a young age working down the street from a bookie who took action on anything from the mainstream sports to the last three digits of the purse for certain horse races. Yeah, that's a thing. Today Marc is a freelance writer and social media consultant which allows him to work anywhere there's a wifi signal. This allows him to work from the sportsbook at Red Rock Resort or the food court at The Venetian where you’ll find fast and free wifi. Writing about steak, booze, gambling and Las Vegas is a tough job but somebody has to do it.